HUBZones 101 (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Johnson & Wales University, TACO Center, 10 Abbott Park Place in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge. For more information or to register, please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

This workshop will help you understand the programs and services available from the U. S. Small Business Administration. Learn about government contracting opportunities that are available through the SBA’s HUBZone program.

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The Federal Government buys everything from paperclips to aircraft carriers. There are 44 designated “HUBZones” in Rhode Island, of which, 27 reside in the city of Providence, 5 are in Woonsocket, 4 in both Pawtucket and Central Falls, and 2 in Newport. The entire Narragansett Indian Reservation is also a HUBZone.

Benefits of the HUBZone Program

* Competitive and sole source contracting

* 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities

* The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small business concerns

The Federal HUBZone Program certifies small businesses located in eligible urban and rural areas gain access to federal contracts. Eligibility for both certifications will be discussed along with information on free technical assistance available from the Rhode Island Procurement Technical Assistance Center (RIPTAC).

Losses & Fraud (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Johnson & Wales University, TACO Center, Room 417, 10 Abbott Park Place in Providence from 6:00 – 9:00pm and is free of charge. For more information or to register, please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

Fraud is a continuing concern of business owner and financial professionals, whose jobs are to protect businesses’ payment transactions from traditional and emerging fraud schemes? Research by the Fed, the Association for Financial Professional, and others will be summarized and reviewed to identify what payment types are most vulnerable to fraud attacks and losses, and what schemes are most prevalent today. Participants to this seminar will gain a better understanding of their payment fraud risks and actions available to mitigate those risks.

Business Continuity Planning (U.S. Small Business Administration, City of Providence, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, Center for Women & Enterprise – Providence Emergency Operations Center, 591 Charles Street in Providence from 4:00 – 6:00pm and is free of charge. To register, please email providence.ri@sba.gov or call the SBA at 401-528-4561):

Did you know that 40% of companies that shut down for 3 days after a disaster strikes, fail within 36 months? If a disaster strikes your business, are you prepared? Join us for this innovative and information packed workshop where you will learn about what you need to do to protect your business and how to gain access to both local and federal resources. SBA Rhode Island District Director, Mark S. Hayward, will guide through the resources available through the SBA is a disaster does strike your business. Lori Adamo of Code Red Business Continuity Services will show you what you need to prepare your business, and Col. Pete Gaynor of the Providence Emergency Management Agency will speak about resources available on the local level.

Maintaining Trade Secrets For Business Inventions (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Johnson & Wales University, Johnson Hall, 59 Chestnut Street in Providence from 8:00 – 10:00am and is free of charge. For more information or to register, please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):

According to Rhode Island General Laws 6-41-1, a trade secret is defined as information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that: (i) Derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

This class will assist a business owner how to develop, protect, monetize, and maintain trade secrets within an organization. More particularly, this seminar will provide the following:

– Lean about the basics of what a trade secret comprises in contrast to a patent, trademark, or copyright

HOW TO: Explore the SBA HUBZone Program (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard, Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm and is free of charge. To register, please call 401-277-0800 or email ngirard@cweonline.org):

The federal government spends over $2 billion on goods and services each year. Are you getting your share? A SBA small business certification may make the difference for your company. Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Center for Women & Enterprise to learn more about the government contracting certification HUBZone program (Historically Underutilized Business Zones).

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Rhode Island Small Business Development Center are pleased to bring you this innovative event. There are 44 designated “HUBZones” in Rhode Island, of which, 2 reside in the city of Newport.

What is the HUBZone Program?

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The Federal Government buys everything from paperclips to aircraft carriers.

Benefits of the HUBZone Program:

*Competitive and sole source contracting

*10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities

*The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small business concerns

To register for this event, please contact Matthew Spoehr at the SBA by calling (401) 528-4561 or email providence.ri@sba.gov

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR HOSTING THIS EVENT!

SBA’s participation or support of this event is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any co-sponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a non -discriminatory basis.